Election Peace Accord: Will Edo’s Vote Reflect True Democracy?

The concept of a peace accord during elections has been widely adopted in Nigeria as a tool to promote non-violent, credible elections. It sets a formal agreement among political candidates to uphold peace and accept the election results, regardless of the outcome. However, the question remains: Does signing a peace accord guarantee that election results will be accepted? This write-up takes a critical look at the Edo Election as a case study, exploring whether the peace accord ensures election acceptance, the expectations for the election, and the level of voter preparedness or apathy.

Does Peace Accord Guarantee Election Outcome Acceptance?

One of the primary purposes of a peace accord is to prevent post-election violence, which often arises from the refusal of candidates to accept the results. In Edo State, as in many parts of Nigeria, election outcomes have been contentious, leading to legal battles and, in some cases, civil unrest.

While a peace accord is an essential framework for promoting dialogue and civility, it does not always guarantee that the results will be accepted without dispute. Political actors may sign the accord for public appearance yet fail to uphold their promises when the election does not go in their favor. In Edo’s case, the acceptance of election outcomes depends on a combination of factors, including the transparency of the electoral process, the fairness of the results, and the behavior of party loyalists. Will the peace accord alone be enough to foster acceptance, or are more rigorous measures needed?

Expectations for the Edo Election

The political landscape in Edo State is a dynamic one, with high expectations for the upcoming elections. Stakeholders, from politicians to civil society organizations, have expressed hope that the election will be free, fair, and devoid of violence. However, there are concerns about the ability of the peace accord to curb electoral malpractice and ensure a smooth voting process.

The expectations revolve around several key factors:

• Electoral Integrity – Ensuring the election is conducted transparently with no manipulation of results.
• Security Measures – Proper security deployment is essential to prevent voter intimidation and violence at polling units.
• Political Maturity – Both voters and candidates are expected to demonstrate political maturity by adhering to the peace accord and respecting the democratic process.

As the election approaches, the question remains: Will the political atmosphere remain peaceful, or will tensions rise, despite the signing of the peace accord?

Voter Preparedness and Apathy

Another critical issue in the Edo Election is voter preparedness. The effectiveness of any election lies in the active participation of its electorate. However, voter apathy has been a recurring challenge, often caused by a lack of faith in the electoral process, fear of violence, or dissatisfaction with the candidates.

In Edo, efforts have been made to educate and engage the electorate to ensure they are ready to vote and understand the importance of their participation. Yet, the presence of a peace accord may not be enough to address voter concerns about safety, transparency, and fairness. As a result, voter turnout might be affected, influencing the overall outcome of the election.

The following questions are pertinent:

Are voters adequately informed and motivated to participate in the electoral process?

Will the peace accord inspire confidence in the voters, or will fear and mistrust lead to continued voter apathy?


The peace accord remains an essential tool for promoting peaceful elections, but its effectiveness in guaranteeing election outcome acceptance remains debatable. The Edo Election provides a case study to examine the accord’s impact on voters, political parties, and the overall election atmosphere. While expectations are high for a peaceful and fair election, voter preparedness and apathy continue to pose challenges. It is hoped that with adequate security, electoral transparency, and political maturity, the election will reflect the true will of the people.